A Better Tomorrow (1986)
Kernel Score: 83% · 598 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama
Released: 1986-08-02
Runtime: 95 minutes
Where to watch A Better Tomorrow
- Stream: Fubo, WeTV
- Free with ads: Kanopy, Fandango at Home, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free, Plex
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A reforming ex-gangster tries to reconcile with his estranged policeman brother, but the ties to his former gang are difficult to break.
A Better Tomorrow parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that A Better Tomorrow is an R-rated Hong Kong crime drama about gangsters, brothers, and revenge.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Action crime film featuring gunfights and gang violence between triads and police.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like A Better Tomorrow
If you liked A Better Tomorrow, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- A Better Tomorrow II (1987) — 80%
- New Police Story (2004) — 79%
- Scarface (1983) — 88%
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%
- Election 2 (2006) — 82%
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) — 79%
- Infernal Affairs III (2003) — 76%
- Officer Black Belt (2024) — 86%
Director
Cast
- Ti Lung as Sung Chi Ho
- Chow Yun-Fat as Mark Lee
- Leslie Cheung as Sung Chi Kit
- Emily Chu Bo-Yee as Jackie
- Waise Lee Chi-Hung as Shing
- Tien Feng as Mr. Sung
- John Woo as Inspector Wu
- Sek Yin-Tsi as Mr. Yiu
- Kenneth Tsang as Kin
- Wang Hsieh as Boss Wang
A Better Tomorrow FAQ
Is A Better Tomorrow good?
A Better Tomorrow has an 83% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 598 audience ratings.
Where can I watch A Better Tomorrow?
In the US you can stream A Better Tomorrow on Fubo and WeTV, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, Fandango at Home, Shout! Factory TV, YouTube Free and Plex and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is A Better Tomorrow OK for kids?
A Better Tomorrow is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that A Better Tomorrow is an R-rated Hong Kong crime drama about gangsters, brothers, and revenge.
What movies are like A Better Tomorrow?
If you liked A Better Tomorrow, try A Better Tomorrow II, New Police Story, Scarface and Infernal Affairs.